Preparing for an interview

Practical tips to help you prepare, feel confident, and show up at your best.
Interviews can feel challenging - especially if you’re early in your career or it’s been a while since your last one. To help, we’ve pulled together a few tips so you know what to expect and can show up feeling confident heading into your interview with QBE.
In-person interviews

Before your interview

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Refresh your memory

Spend time reviewing your CV so you can talk about it with confidence. Think about:

  • What you’re good at
  • What you’re still learning
  • What motivates you at work

Everyone brings something different. Reflect on what makes you a strong match for this role and how you could add value at QBE.

Prepare your questions

An interview is a two‑way conversation. Bring questions about the role, the team, and how things work. This helps you decide if the role feels right for you - and helps us understand what matters to you.

Learn more about us

A little research goes a long way. Learning about QBE and our values , as well as the insurance industry can help you feel more prepared. You may not be asked directly about QBE, but you can show what you know through your answers or questions.

What to wear

At QBE, we embrace a Dress for Your Day policy. We want you to feel comfortable and confident, so you’re encouraged to choose attire that suits your activities and helps you present your best self. Our approach is all about ensuring you feel at ease, professional, and ready for any occasion in the workplace. If you’re coming in for an interview, we recommend “business casual” – a mix of classic office wear with relaxed, comfortable elements.

If you’re unsure what to wear, your recruiter will be happy to provide guidance.

Arrive early

Aim to arrive five to ten minutes early. Planning your travel and what you’ll wear ahead of time can help you feel calm and focused.

During your interview

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Build a natural connection

Be yourself and focus on the conversation. Listen as much as you speak, smile, and keep comfortable eye contact. Sitting upright, keeping your hands relaxed, and avoiding too much movement can help you come across as confident and engaged.

We’ll do the same. We want the conversation to feel relaxed and genuine.

Stay calm and take it slow

Feeling a little nervous is normal - it shows you care. If you need time to think about a question, take it. A short pause is always okay and often leads to a better answer.

And remember to breathe!

After your interview

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Sending a short thank‑you note is a nice way to follow up. You can also use it to share anything you may have missed and restate your interest in the role.

And finally, good luck!

Online interviews

Before your interview

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Prepare your interview space

Make sure you have:

  • A quiet, well‑lit space, where possible
  • A stable internet connection
  • A computer or laptop with working sound and camera
  • A quick practice run, either on your own or with someone you trust
  • Other apps and browser tabs closed
  • A pen, notepad, and your CV nearby
  • Your phone on silent so you can stay focused

What to wear

At QBE, we follow a Dress for Your Day approach - choose something that suits your day and helps you feel confident. For a video interview, smart casual is usually a good choice.

If you’re unsure, your recruiter can help.

During your interview

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Be mindful of your body language while on screen:

  • Position your camera so your face is centred and slightly above eye level
  • When speaking, look at the camera to create a sense of eye contact
  • When listening, it’s fine to look at the screen
  • Sit upright, smile when it feels natural, and keep movements relaxed

If something goes wrong

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Technology isn’t perfect, and we understand that.

  • If sound or video stops working - use the contact number shared before the interview to call and discuss next steps.
  • If there’s background noise – provide an apology and mute yourself until it passes.
  • If someone enters the room - let your interviewer(s) know, mute your sound and switch off your camera if needed, then rejoin once things are settled.

We’ll work with you to keep the conversation comfortable.